Doenjang Jjigae – 된장찌개 – Recipe.

Korean Soybean Paste Stew.
Doenjang Jjigae, a traditional Korean soybean paste stew, is a savory and hearty dish that reflects the essence of Korean home cooking. Featuring a robust blend of fermented soybean paste, vegetables, and protein, this stew offers a comforting and umami-rich experience. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Korean cuisine with this recipe for Doenjang Jjigae, a nourishing and soul-warming delight.

Estimated Time:

30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste)
1 tablespoon Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Powder)
200g Tofu, cut into bite-sized cubes
1/2 cup Zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup Onion, sliced
1/2 cup Korean Radish (mu), sliced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
4 cups Anchovy or Vegetable Broth
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
1 Green Chili (optional, for added spice)
2 Green Onions, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Products you need in our store:

Doenjang (Korean Soybean Paste)
Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Powder)
Tofu
Korean Radish (mu)
Garlic
Sesame Oil
Green Chili(optional, for added spice)
Green Onions

Preparation:

  1. Sauté Aromatics:
    • In a pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sliced onions, and gochugaru. Sauté until the onions are softened.
  2. Dissolve Doenjang:
    • Add doenjang to the pot and stir to dissolve it into the aromatics. This forms the flavorful base of the stew.
  3. Add Vegetables:
    • Incorporate sliced zucchini, Korean radish, and green chili (if using) into the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables in the doenjang mixture.
  4. Pour Broth:
    • Pour in the anchovy or vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow the vegetables to cook until they start to soften.
  5. Introduce Tofu:
    • Gently add the tofu cubes to the stew, allowing them to simmer until heated through.
  6. Season and Simmer:
    • Season the stew with sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish the Doenjang Jjigae with chopped green onions. Serve the stew hot, ideally accompanied by steamed rice.

Benefits:

  1. Rich Umami Flavor: Doenjang, a fermented soybean paste, adds a deep and rich umami flavor to the stew.
  2. Vegetable Nutrients: The inclusion of zucchini, Korean radish, and other vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals.
  3. Protein from Tofu: Tofu offers a plant-based source of protein, contributing to the stew’s overall nutritional value.
  4. Digestive Benefits: Fermented foods like doenjang may promote gut health by providing beneficial probiotics.